水资源的重要性
- Water is as necessary natural resource
- Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live
- Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries
- Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it
- Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens
- Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation
- Citizens have access to clean tap water
- Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water
- The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries
水资源供给
- Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems
- These systems are massive engineering projects
- Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance
- The supply and distribution of water are major concerns
- Water is becoming scarce in some countries
- Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water
- As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies
- This could lead to a water crisis
水资源与政治
- The supply of water is also an important political issue
- Huge amounts of water are needed for agriculture and industry
- The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use
- A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars
Argument: 水资源应该免费
- Some people believe that water should be free for everyone
- Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost
- Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource
- Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems
Argument: 水资源应该付费
- If water is free, people take it for granted
- They do not think about how much water they waste
- They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth
- If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly
- Water supply systems are extremely expensive
- Investment is needed to maintain and improve them
- Private companies may provide a better service than governments
- If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money
- They will repair leaks to avoid losing money
瓶装水
- Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go
- For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym
- They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water
- They also argue that it tastes better
- However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water
- Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems
- Companies should not be able to make a profit from water
- It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water
- There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water